Secure File Sharing for NIST 800-171 Alignment

01. How does MX support NIST 800-171 file transfer compliance?

My MX Data is built to align with the strict access controls, encryption protocols, and traceability requirements outlined in NIST SP 800-171 – making it a reliable solution for contractors and organizations working with Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI).

Rather than relying on static encryption or broad folder access, MX takes a proactive, zero-trust approach to data sharing. Every file is processed through our ASR (Anonymize, Shard, Restore) encryption system, which breaks data into encrypted fragments and ensures restoration only occurs for approved, authenticated users. This architecture naturally supports confidentiality, integrity, and availability – core pillars of the NIST framework.

Specific ways MX supports NIST 800-171 compliance:

• Strict Access Control Policies: Define exactly who can access files, with customizable rules at the user or group level.
• Granular Audit Logging: Record every file event – from upload to download – with time, IP, user, and action data.
• Encryption in Transit and at Rest: Use AES-256 and quantum-resilient ASR encryption across all transfer stages.
• Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Enforce identity verification at every access point, reducing credential-based risks.
• No Public Access Points: Eliminate open URLs and uncontrolled file sharing across third-party tools.

For contractors in defense, manufacturing, and research, MX offers a purpose-built solution to secure CUI without compromising usability. According to The Business Research Company, the need for compliant, secure file transfer platforms is accelerating across federal supply chains – and MX is already ahead of the curve.

Dive deeper into advanced security topics in Quantum-Proof Encryption: Shielding IP from Cyber Attacks or explore best practices in Data Security 101.

02. Can MX help track file access in a NIST 800-171 workflow?

Totally! My MX Data is built to support NIST 800-171 control families related to access control, audit logging, and system integrity. Whether you’re a government contractor or subcontractor handling Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), MX helps ensure that file sharing is both secure and fully auditable.

Every file interaction within MX is recorded – down to who accessed it, when, where, and from what device. These logs are immutable and accessible for inspection, aligning with NIST 800-171 requirements for access monitoring and incident response readiness.

How MX supports NIST 800-171 tracking and security:

• Access Control (3.1): Named-user sharing only – no anonymous links or public file access.
• Audit & Accountability (3.3): Every upload, download, and view is logged with timestamps, IP addresses, and user identity.
• System & Communications Protection (3.13): Encrypted transmission and storage using AES-256 and ASR to prevent interception or tampering.
• Risk Management (3.11): File expiration policies and geo-restrictions reduce long-term exposure.
• Incident Response (3.6): MX audit logs provide forensic-ready data in the event of a breach or access anomaly.

With these controls in place, MX makes it easier for organizations to meet NIST 800-171 obligations without relying on complex on-premises file sharing systems.

Want to go deeper? Explore our robust security architecture or learn more about enterprise-grade file sharing tools for regulated industries.

03. Does MX help enforce role-based controls required by NIST 800-171?

Totally! My MX Data helps organizations meet NIST 800-171 requirements by enabling granular, role-based access controls that align with the framework’s expectations for controlled unclassified information (CUI).

Administrators can define specific roles – such as contractor, engineer, or compliance officer – and assign permissions based on duties. These controls ensure that file access, sharing rights, and visibility are restricted according to job function and project scope. Key enforcement mechanisms include:

• Custom user roles: Define access policies by team, department, or security level.
• Activity-based restrictions: Limit actions such as file forwarding or downloads to designated roles.
• Audit logging: Every file interaction is recorded and linked to the user’s assigned role for compliance documentation.
• Timed access: Set expiration periods for temporary project roles to reduce exposure risk.

This level of policy control supports NIST 800-171’s access control family (AC) requirements and ensures non-privileged users are never overexposed. You can also explore additional capabilities through our Enterprise File Collaboration solutions.

For deeper insight on CUI protection and access management, read our article on Data Security 101.

04. Can MX support controlled unclassified information (CUI) workflows?

Absolutely. My MX Data is purpose-built to align with the core requirements of handling Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) as outlined in NIST 800-171. Our platform ensures that only authorized users can access, transmit, or modify CUI with full traceability and encryption throughout the lifecycle.

Granular Access Control – You can configure user permissions down to the individual file level, ensuring only cleared personnel can view or interact with CUI documents.

Role-Based Policies – Administrators can define role-based access tied to user groups, departments, or clearance levels – ideal for segmenting access within defense contractors or subcontractors.

End-to-End Encryption – All CUI data is encrypted at rest and in transit using our proprietary anonymization and sharding model. This ensures confidentiality, integrity, and availability, as outlined by NIST guidelines.

Full Activity Logging – MX records every action taken on a file, including access attempts, downloads, and transfers, creating a tamper-proof audit trail that supports NIST compliance reviews.

To learn how MX supports complex enterprise requirements, visit our enterprise file sharing page for more information.

From ITAR-controlled environments to NIST-mandated workflows, MX offers a secure and compliant backbone for managing sensitive CUI across your organization’s file exchanges.

05. What reporting tools does MX offer to support NIST 800-171 audits?

My MX Data provides detailed, exportable reporting features designed to align with NIST 800-171 audit requirements, helping U.S. contractors and subcontractors maintain compliance when handling Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI).

MX’s reporting tools help prove that access is role-based, files are properly encrypted, and activity is continuously monitored – meeting the technical and procedural safeguards required under NIST 800-171.

• Role-Based Audit Trails: View comprehensive logs of every file interaction based on user privileges and file sensitivity.
• Real-Time Monitoring: Receive insights on file activity, including access times, user locations, and actions taken.
• Exportable Reports: Download formatted audit logs tailored to NIST requirements for regulatory submission or internal documentation.
• Policy Enforcement Logs: Review how and when access restrictions, expiration dates, or sharing limits were enforced.

Given that 9.2% of externally shared documents contain sensitive information, having structured reporting is essential. MX transforms file activity into evidence of compliance – ready for auditors or security officers to review.

MX enables defense and aerospace contractors to meet NIST 800-171’s strict controls – not just in practice, but in demonstrable, reportable ways that stand up to federal oversight.